Many of you have already had the opportunity to spot turtles in 2021. In fact, we have already received close to 1,000 reports since March 25th! Thank you on behalf of both Carapace and the turtles! For those who have not yet sighted a turtle, it may be a matter of a few days, as the female egg-laying season is still ongoing. Stay alert on the roads and don't hesitate to come to the aid of a turtle, to ensure a safe crossing – for both of you!
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is currently looking for volunteers to help protect the map turtle in the Montreal area. Please join us! All activities will be conducted in compliance with public health guidelines. To register your interest, visit https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/where-we-work/quebec/featured-projects/montreals-greenbelt/map-turtle.html
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The 2020 lockdown was an opportunity to appreciate herpetofauna!
During the 2020 season, 1,783 turtles were reported on the carapace.ca platform! Since the official launch of carapace.ca in 2017, the number of annual reports has been steadily increasing (Table 1). It now totals 6,001 turtle observations (since 2017).
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Table 1. Number of annual reports on Carapace
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Table 2. Condition of turtles reported through Carapace, by year
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Summary of reports by region
The trend continues in 2020 with well distributed participation across the province. For the first time since the launch of the platform, 2 turtles were even reported in the Nord-du-Québec region! The Eastern Townships (17%), Laurentians (17%), Montérégie (31%) and Outaouais (17%) account for 82% of all reported sightings (Table 3). These are regions where the density of turtles is naturally higher and where observers are present year after year.
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Table 3. Number of Carapace reports annually by region
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Summary of reports by species
Again in 2020, the snapping turtle was the most frequently observed species with nearly 1,000 reports. The painted turtle came in second place with 591 reports (Table 4). For the first time since 2018, an eastern musk turtle was observed, this time in the Montérégie! This endangered species is named after the strong odor of a fluid it secretes when in danger. There were also 17 exotic turtles reported in 2020, i.e. turtles that should not have been released in the wild since they can compete with native turtles in our ecosystems. A common example would be the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), which uses the same habitat as the painted turtle.
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Table 4. Number of reports annually by species
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Summary of turtles reported injured or dead
In 2020, the breakdown of injured or dead turtles was more or less similar to to that of overall reports (Table 5), with snapping turtles (37%) and painted turtles (24%) first and second respectively. Given that the snapping turtle is larger than other turtles, one would think that they would be easier for cars to avoid. However, it is probably because they are more visible that they are more frequently reported dead or injured. Since the launch of Carapace in 2017, 1,695 injured or dead turtles have been reported. So, it is important to slow down and be vigilant on roads crossing wetlands to avoid further fatalities.
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Figure 1. Percentage of turtles injured or killed since the launch of Carapace in 2017
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Mille-Îles and turtle conservation
In December 2020, the Canadian Herpetological Society (CHS) officially announced that the Mille-Îles region in Ontario, including its national park, was being designated as an Important Amphibian and Reptile Area. This designation is given to areas that have special value and importance for the conservation of amphibian and reptile biodiversity, including species at risk. The large bodies of water surrounding these islands make them suitable wetlands for the establishment of rare and diverse species. The area is home to 5 turtle species, including the endangered spotted turtle, which can be recognized by the yellow dots on its shell.
While this designation does not provide any legal protection, it does raise awareness and will certainly help focus future efforts to protect the spotted turtle. At the same time, the Mille-Îles park’s RARE (Reptile and Amphibian Recovery and Education) program assists turtle conservation by rescuing eggs and subsequently releasing hatchlings into park waterways.
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Fences and culverts to reduce turtle road deaths
In July 2020, the City of Greater Sudbury, Ontario, installed fencing along the new section of Maley Drive to keep turtles off the roadway. To allow the turtles to move safely under the road, culverts were installed under the parkway. Today, more and more conservation efforts for turtles being made, and this project is a perfect example. The city worked with the Junction Creek stewardship committee when planning construction of the parkway to design the layout of the underpass and fencing. Installation of the fencing was a prerequisite for the road construction permit.
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Letting turtles of the hook
Do you fish or know people who do? Then you may have seen or hear of turtles that get hooked while fishing! If you encounter this situation, don't panic, here are five steps to follow to free them from the hook without hurting them:
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Reel in your line as slowly as possible to prevent the hook from sinking further. Do not cut the line, as leaving the hook caught in a turtle could cause its death.
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Grab the back of its shell or use a net if you have troubel getting a grip on it to get it out of the water.
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Do to not pull on the fishing line while lifting the turtle and do not pick it up by the tail, to avoid worsening its injury.
4.
Be careful, as the turtle will try to defend itself and may bite or scratch you.
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Seek veterinary assistance if the hook is too difficult to remove, is caught in the mouth, or the turtle has swallowed it.
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The municipality of Grand-Remous is raising awareness among its population regarding turtle protection
The municipality of Grand-Remous in the Outaouais region has installed information panels at the Baskatong reservoir, one of four community wildlife areas in Quebec. The reservoir covers more than 300 km2 and is frequented by several species of turtles, including the wood turtle. According to city councillor Gilles Richard, the signs will help educate citizens and cottagers about the life cycle of turtles, their conservation status and how to help prevent mortality. Road kill of turtles is a documented issue on Baskatong Road, with 7 dead turtles already reported in 2021. As a result, Mr. Richard is working with provincial authorities to have signs installed on the road in the near future to prevent collisions.
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